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Close-up of a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear fanny pack worn crossbody over a bright orange and yellow puffy jacket.

Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear: Ultralight Backpacking Gear with a Purpose

Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear is a Michigan-based brand creating ultralight, durable backpacking gear for serious hikers. From customizable backpacks to fanny packs and shoulder pouches, their handcrafted gear is built to withstand the backcountry.

Hand holding the PACT One Kit outdoor bathroom tool, designed for digging catholes and practicing Leave No Trace.

PACT One Kit: The Ultimate Leave No Trace Bathroom System for Hikers

Looking for a smarter, cleaner way to poop outdoors? The PACT One Kit is a complete backcountry bathroom system that helps hikers minimize impact and follow Leave No Trace. Compact, lightweight, and built to do better by nature.

Person walking with Gossamer Gear Aero Jet backpack and duffel bag from the new travel collection, showcasing lightweight travel gear in an urban setting.

Gossamer Gear Launches Ultralight Travel Collection for Smart Adventures

Gossamer Gear’s new Travel Collection is here! From the Aero Jet carry-on pack to minimalist cubes and hip packs, this lineup makes it easy to pack light and stay organized. Whether you're heading to the airport or the backcountry, this gear brings simplicity to your next trip.

Person sleeping inside the Hyperlite Bug Bivy under a tarp, demonstrating breathable mesh and Dyneema floor

Meet the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Bug Bivy: Ultralight Insect Protection for Serious Backpackers

Hyperlite’s new Bug Bivy is built for ultralight backpackers who need bug protection without bulk. At only 6.35 oz, it’s perfect for tarp setups and summer nights on trail.

Smiling hiker wearing the black Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie on a sunny alpine trail with snowy peaks in the background.

Gear Review: Solstice Lightweight Wool Hoodie by Ridge Merino

The Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Wool Hoodie is a breathable, odor-resistant, and ultralight sun hoodie made with RWS-certified merino wool.

Rear view of a hiker wearing Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved and a backpack while walking through a red rock canyon in the Southwest.

Gear Review: Keb Trousers Curved By Fjallraven

The Keb Trousers Curved by Fjällräven are built for women with hips and thighs, offering a perfect fit with pro-level durability, vents, and smart trail features. Check out our full review of these seriously tough—but flattering—hiking pants.

Six Moon Designs Haven Tent set up in a forested campsite, showing sleeping bags and water filtration gear under the tarp.

Ultralight Shelters from Six Moon Designs: Trail-Tested Favorites for 2025

Looking for an ultralight tent that won’t weigh you down? Six Moon Designs offers innovative shelters like the Skyscape Trekker, Haven Tent, and Gatewood Cape—perfect for fastpacking, thru-hiking, and minimalist backpackers.

Back view of a hiker wearing the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 40 pack on a dry trail in desert mountains, walking toward distant peaks.

Gear Review: Windrider 40 Backpack By Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Weighing just 30 oz and built from Dyneema, the Hyperlite Windrider 40 is a minimalist backpack for ultralight hikers. Here’s why it’s a top pick for thru-hikes, long trails, and backcountry adventure.

Person in an olive green Ibex Indie Hoody crouched on snow near a glacier with fall-colored hills in the background.

Gear Review: Indie Hoodie By Ibex

The Ibex Indie Hoodie is a lightweight merino wool baselayer with natural odor resistance, breathability, and a trail-ready fit. This is a go-to layer for hiking, backpacking, and multi-season use. Check out our review to learn more and see how it handles big adventure!

A closer look at the fine-knit alpaca and TENCEL™ blend that makes the COOLPLUS® Crew feel incredibly soft and naturally breathable.

PAKA Unveils Ultralight COOLPLUS® Crew: Redefining Summer Hiking Apparel

PAKA's Ultralight COOLPLUS® Crew combines alpaca and TENCEL™ fibers in a mesh-knit design, offering hikers a lightweight, breathable, and odor-resistant option for warm-weather treks.

AlpenFuel Rebrands to Angry Pika Food Co: Here’s What You Need to Know

AlpenFuel is now Angry Pika Food Co.! Same amazing backpacking breakfasts, new spirited brand. Meet Angry Pika’s full lineup of trail-ready meals.

Southwest Hikes Best Gear of 2025 graphic featuring star rating, mountain background, and silhouette of hiker with trekking poles.

Best Gear of 2025: Top Picks from Southwest Hikes

Discover the best hiking and backpacking gear of 2025, handpicked by Southwest Hikes. These trail-tested favorites are built to perform in wild places. We update this list as we get to know new gear throughout the year!

Hiker wearing the NEMO Persist 45L Backpack while trekking through snowy mountains with evergreen trees in Colorado.

Gear Review: Persist 45L Backpack By NEMO Equipment

The NEMO Equipment Persist 45L Backpack offers a blend of sustainability and performance, featuring CERO™ fabric and CCubed™ cushioning for comfort and durability on extended hikes.

Close-up of black merino wool leggings showing “STAY GOLDEN” and “BRANWYN” stitched on the waistband.

Gear Review: Essential Compressive Leggings By BRANWYN

BRANWYN's Essential Compressive Leggings combine the natural benefits of Merino wool with a supportive, seamless design. Ideal for various activities, these leggings offer breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and a comfortable fit, all while being eco-friendly.